Dr. Wael Shihab: Improve Community Mosques to Welcome Both Men and Women!

In fact, what we need is to improve community mosques to provide good facilities to both men and women. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) built his masjid (mosque) in Madina to welcome both men and women.

In the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) there was no curtain or partition in his masjid, although women used to come to the masjid almost for every prayer and for many other gatherings. It is, however, reported that they used to come to the masjid dressed up in long clothes. `A’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), said that the believing women used to attend the Dawn prayer with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). They used to come wrapped up in their long garments and then they used to return to their homes after the prayer, no one could recognize them because of the darkness. (Al-Bukhari)

Therefore, women and men should go to the masjid for prayers and spiritual, educational, and social gatherings while observing Islamic ethics of man-woman interactions.

Women are our mothers, sisters, and daughters. God Almighty says,

{O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that ye may know one another. Lo! the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is Knower, Aware.} (Al-Hujurat 49: 13)

Also, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in a hadith, "Women are men’s counterparts." (Abu Dawud)

Unfortunately, there are many mosques nowadays that don’t properly accommodate or provide good facilities to women. This negatively affects women and deprives the community from their distinguished contributions.

However, we should spare no efforts to improve our mosques to provide good facilities to both women and men. Mosques should provide spiritual, social, and educational services for men and women alike.

http://www.onislam.net/english/shariah/special-coverage/482623-women-mosque-america-islam-imam-friday-prayer.html

http://97.105.52.213/en/artical/26841/how-scholars-view-all-women-mosque